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With this “venture”, China Merchants will become a pioneer in the use of methanol as a fuel to transport oil
China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES), one of the largest maritime transport companies listed in Shanghai, is innovating by ordering the first MAN B&W 7G80ME-LGIM (-Liquid Gas Injection Methanol) engine for the world's first Methanol Moulded Crude Oil Carrier (VLCC), according to the MarineLink website.
Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co (DSIC) will be responsible for the construction of the oil ship, scheduled for delivery in April 2026. This move highlights CMES as a pioneer in the use of methanol as fuel, marking a significant change in the sector.
Advanced technology: Dual-Fuel engine and EGR emissions system
CSE (China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation Diesel Engine Co., Ltd.) will be in charge of building the engine, which not only burns methanol, but also incorporates the advanced EGR emissions system (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) from MAN Energy Solutions.
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Bjarne Foldager, Head of Business Two-Stroke at MAN Energy Solutions, highlights the uniqueness of the project, noting that CMES leads not only in fuel choice but also in emissions technology, indicating a comprehensive commitment to sustainability in the new vessel. Petroleum.
Methanol as marine fuel, future of sustainability
The ME-LGIM dual-fuel engine from MAN Energy Solutions not only offers efficient burning of methanol, but also flexibility to operate with conventional fuels. With more than 150 ME-LGIM engines already on order or in service, Thomas S. Hansen, Head of Promotion and Customer Support at MAN Energy Solutions, highlights the growing demand for methanol-powered engines as an essential part of the decarbonization of the maritime fleet.
The CMES order represents not only a technological innovation, but a firm step towards a more sustainable future for maritime oil transport.
This advancement follows CMES' recent order for methanol GenSets and MAN B&W ME-LGIM main engines, evidencing an ongoing commitment to the transition to low-carbon fuels. China Merchants Energy Shipping is at the forefront of transforming the maritime sector towards oil exploration, driving the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable technologies. Stay tuned for updates as the industry moves towards a future powered by greener fuels.
Methanol and how it works inside an engine
A methanol-fueled engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses methanol as its main fuel. O methanol is a colorless, odorless and low viscosity flammable liquid, which can be produced from renewable sources, such as biomass, or from non-renewable sources, such as natural gas. It is an alternative to traditional fuels such as gasoline and diesel and has been considered in several applications due to its favorable characteristics.
Methanol is corrosive and has specific challenges in terms of storage and distribution, especially due to its affinity for water, which can lead to corrosion of certain materials. The energy efficiency of methanol-fueled engines can vary, but in general, they can be designed to have good thermal efficiency.
Methanol is flammable, and safety measures must be considered when handling it. Additionally, there are concerns about the toxicity of methanol, and inhaling or ingesting it in significant quantities can be harmful to health. In addition to being used in internal combustion engines, methanol can also be used in fuel cells, where it is electrochemically converted into electricity.
